“The smart is one of the greenest cars you can buy, but Mercedes recently unveiled a trio of even more economical models: a battery-electric prototype, a new diesel and a petrol version that switches off below 5mph.”

This was the sub-head of a very positive article in the Daily Telegraph motoring section on Saturday 5 July about the newest “eco” additions to the smart range. The journalist reviewed each model separately:

smart mhd

“What the mhd does is turn off the engine when your speed drops below 5mph – rolling to a stop at traffic lights, for example – then start it again as soon as you take your foot off the brake pedal. Imagine if every engine in every car in every town behaved in this way. What would it do for fuel consumption? What would it do for particulate emissions? How much sweeter the air, how much quieter the walk?”

smart cdi
“With diesel currently at 132p per litre, there is something of a smile to be had out of pootling around town at 80mpg plus, never mind raising two fingers to the Treasury and the oil companies.”

smart ed
“Initial acceleration is scorching.”
“In its natural urban environment, the electric smart is a hoot. The limited top speed is never a problem and there’s enough instant surge to go for gaps in the traffic. It’s also reassuring that the smart has a four-star crash safety rating.”

For even more about the smart in the Telegraph, follow this link to their environmental feature Smart ed – the future of eco-friendly cars?

The bright yellow smart, as seen in Chat Magazine’s Yellow Trend for summer feature.

Steve drove the smart ed at the recent Brooklands Motoring Festival which took place at Mercedes-Benz World. He took the opportunity during one of the breaks over the weekend to drive one of the smart electric cars which were being used by the event marshals. Steve was surprised by its refinement and practicality.

“It’s very positive. The car is smooth and refine; it also feels quick stepping off from rest and is more stable than the original (courtesy of the low-mounted battery).

“Charge lasts 75 miles in you drive it sensibly and you can re-charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in a couple of hours from an ordinary plug. A full re-charge costs under three quid. Oh yes, and it was fun to drive. The arguments in favour of cars like this are sharpening up all the time.”

Count down to the motor show…

14 days to go to the motor show where the smart ED will be in the spotlight. With its new outline, this ground breaking eco car looks set to be the shape of the future! It’s appearance at the show comes on the back of some rave reviews including Vicki Butler Henderson at the Times who said:

“Motorists will soon be able to buy an all-electric vehicle that promises to end the tyranny of rising fuel prices while offering the style and safety of a conventional car”.

The article says that while the smart ed is by no means the first electric vehicle to hit British roads, it is a fully fledged car and has the same comfort and safety levels as a conventional petrol-powered smart fortwo. It talks about the running costs – “you’ll get 50miles of motoring for every £1 of electricity you put into the battery, which works out at the equivalent of 300 mpg”.

The article speculates about on-sale dates and price, neither of which can be confirmed, as smart in the UK are running a market trial with corporate customers.

“Without exception, existing all-electric vehicles to date have made you suffer for your conscience. And none satisfies the rigorous safety standards that global car manufacturers design their products to. The smart ed could be about to change all that.”

On the back of the latest high profile customer, The Metropolitan Police, taking delivery of their smart ed, the Sunday Times reviewed the fully electric version of the iconic car in the In Gear section on 22 June.

The Telegraph also reviewed the greenest smart cars recently.

The new electric car, the smart ED was also reviewed in the Mirror recently.

smart is helping the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) cut carbon emissions in London as they take part in the market trial of the fully electric, smart ed (electric drive).

Four versions of the iconic, low emission, two-seater car will be used in congested urban areas for routine police operations. Two of the cars have Metropolitan Police livery and will be deployed in Central London and at Heathrow Airport.

The smart ed is powered solely by electricity and is charged using a standard three-pin plug. The car emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons or particulate matter. It is incredibly economical and can achieve the equivalent of around 300 miles per gallon.

Stuart Middleton, Director of Transport Services, Metropolitan Police Service, said: “The public might be surprised to see smart ‘police’ cars on the streets of London but we’re very excited about taking part in this market trial. Policing a city like London brings its own particular challenges and we’re always keen to try out new innovations and ideas. The smart ed enables us to have a police presence in very congested areas.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, commented: “This smart ed market trial is an important part of our commitment to sustainable mobility. It’s positive news that a very visible organisation like the Metropolitan Police understands the benefits of the car and we’ll be working closely with them to gather data about the cars’ performance in everyday life.”

The smart ed has a top speed of 60 mph and has a range of up to 70 miles in between charges. The car has all the safety equipment that customers expect: ABS, ESP, passenger and driver airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners.